To be angry at response to DS's SEN statement

[TowMater]

...we were massively relieved to finally get a statement for DS who is 4.5 and has struggled at pre-school & school with learning activities & sensory issues. I've been totally open with friends, family etc about how much we've worried about him. BUT I am getting quite angry that a couple of people have mentioned that maybe I should be a little more 'discreet' about him having a Statement of SEN in place as its a "bit embarrassing really"? I was speechless after the first person said it!

Which people? Strangers or someone you know?

MiL, a colleague at work and another Mum from DS's school who lives round the corner....

Do they mean for your child's sake as in not telling everyone his personal business? Or are they saying you should be 'ashamed' in some way?

If it's the latter then YADNBU

Ignore, Ignore, Ignore. DO NOT GIVE THEM THE Satisfaction. It says o much more about your friends and family, than you and your lovely DS FWIW, I was statemented all the way through school and I now have 4 degrees, one from a top3 university x

You should be proud, not embarrassed, of securing a statement for your DS, especially at such a young age! It's incredibly hard to get one, even for a child with quite severe difficulties, and it will ensure your DS gets the help he needs. Just make sure that the wording on the statement is watertight and that any support is specified and quantified (it's worth getting it checked by a charity like IPSEA).

DS has a statement and although I'm not ashamed of it, I am careful about who I discuss it with, as it carries a high level of funding and other parents might feel that it's unfair. Also, DS is a teenager now and I do feel he should have a say in who it's disclosed to.